Extendable umbrella apparatus

ABSTRACT

An extendable umbrella apparatus adapted to be deployed into a spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user&#39;s head via a handle; and adapted to be collapsed into a stored configuration when not in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/553,972, filed Sep. 4, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrella devices and more specifically relates to an extendable umbrella apparatus adapted to be deployed into a spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user's head via a handle; and adapted to be collapsed into a stored configuration when not in use.

2. Description of the Related Art

An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs, which is usually mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The word “umbrella” typically refers to a device used for protection from rain. The word parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun. Often the difference is the material used for the canopy; some parasols are not waterproof. Umbrella canopies may be made of fabric or flexible plastic.

Umbrellas and parasols are primarily hand-held portable devices sized for personal use. The largest hand-portable umbrellas are golf umbrellas. Umbrellas can be divided into two categories: fully collapsible umbrellas, in which the metal pole supporting the canopy retracts, making the umbrella small enough to fit in a handbag; and non-collapsible umbrellas, in which the support pole cannot retract and only the canopy can be collapsed. Another distinction can be made between manually operated umbrellas and spring-loaded automatic umbrellas which spring open at the press of a button.

Larger parasols capable of blocking the sun for several people are often used as fixed or semi-fixed devices, used with patio tables or other outdoor furniture, or as points of shade on a sunny beach.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in umbrella device art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,221 to Hua Gao; U.S. Pat. No. 7,610,925 to Diego Parisi; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,476 to Lisciandro et al. This prior art is representative of asymmetric umbrella devices.

Ideally, an extendable umbrella apparatus should be user-friendly and safe in-use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for an extendable umbrella apparatus adapted to be deployed into a spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user's head via a handle; and adapted to be collapsed into a stored configuration when not in use and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of umbrella device art, the present invention provides a novel Extendable Umbrella Apparatus. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an extendable umbrella apparatus adapted to be deployed into a spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user's head via a handle; and adapted to be collapsed into a stored configuration when not in use.

An extendable umbrella apparatus comprising: a frame; a canopy; and a handle. The frame includes: an elongated center track and a plurality of frame portions The elongated center track includes: a proximal end and a distal end. Wherein the elongated center track is adapted to allow frame portions to be slidably attached thereto. The plurality of frame portions, each include: an elongated rib and a center attachment member. Wherein the center attachment member is attached to a center portion of the elongated rib and slidably attached to the elongated center track. Wherein the plurality of frame portions are successive attached to the elongated center track such that they can be slid together at the proximal end thereof into a stored configuration. Wherein the plurality of frame portions can be individually moved apart from one another on the elongated center track into a spaced extended configuration.

Wherein said canopy is collapsible and attached to said plurality of frame portions;

The handle includes an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft includes: a proximal end; and a distal end including an attachment member attached thereto and adapted to movably connect with the proximal end of the elongated center track. Wherein the extendable umbrella apparatus is adapted to be deployed into the spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user's head via the handle; and adapted to be collapsed into the stored configuration when not in use.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an Extendable Umbrella Apparatus For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a bottom view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a deployed configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating-a folded configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an Extendable Umbrella Apparatus.

The Extendable Umbrella Apparatus, an umbrella composed of vinyl fabric rated UPF 30 or more, that has an elongated ‘para-sail’ design with a shifting handle that slides from left to right, depending on where the desired coverage is needed. Offering full and enhanced coverage through it's extended canopy sail design, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus handle (and shaft) can be deployed to either side while in use, thus offering complete, extended coverage and full range of visibility of one's surroundings at the same time.

As the name implies, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus comprises a specially designed comprises a comfortable and ergonomic, rubber grip handle that slides from left to right upon deployment. The rubber grip ensures a firm hold of the handle. The unit should have an expanse from 36 to 40 inches, (shoulder to shoulder). It will measure approximately 30-36 inches from front to back and 8 inches of canopy to protract outward. The Extendable Umbrella Apparatus will possess ribs, a stretcher to lift the canopy, a runner, inner tubing within the shaft, a bottom spring to activate as well as a ferrule to cap it off. Should the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus be telescopic, it will also feature a center ball spring. On an aesthetic level, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus can manifest itself in many ways.

Different colors, motifs and patters can be made available. Handbags coupled with the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus can be coordinated stylistically. In fact hand bags could feature a ‘holster’ or carrying case that could match or compliment the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus. When the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus is deployed and closed, it will be neatly folded up and secured via a VELCRO® strap.

Rainy days range in severity and as such, most umbrellas and rain gear do not suffice. When putting all our efforts into protecting one coveted part of the face or head, another part is completely exposed and saturated. The benefits and advantages of the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus are abundantly clear to anyone who has had the misfortune of not being fully protected from the rain or the sun, on a blistering hot day. It would seem logical after years and years of use, that umbrellas would evolve into more of an ergonomic elongated shape to naturally fit the body beneath. The Extendable Umbrella Apparatus offers just that, in it's unique sail design. The Extendable Umbrella Apparatus manages to add coverage while not denigrating one's full range of vision. Should the user encounter a situation where they need to see what is in front of them, such as stepping off a curb or crossing a street and needing to fully see oncoming traffic of any kind, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus handle can be manually shifted to make the unit slide from one side to the other so as to un-obstruct one's vision.

Whether it's one's backpack, handbag, or any other appendage that we may possess or carry, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus will protect it. The Extendable Umbrella Apparatus adequately covers from shoulder to shoulder, as well as the lower portions of the torso region. And, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus could even accommodate more than one person. Whether it's rain or the damaging UV rays of the sun, the Extendable Umbrella Apparatus can protect in an incredibly efficient manner

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-3, perspective views illustrating extendable umbrella apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Extendable umbrella apparatus 100 comprising: frame 200; canopy 110; and handle 500. Frame 200 includes: elongated center track 210 and plurality of frame portions 260. Elongated center track 210 includes: proximal end 220 and distal end 230. Wherein elongated center track 210 is adapted to allow frame portions 260 to be slidably attached thereto. Plurality of frame portions 260, each include: elongated rib 270 and center attachment member 280. Wherein center attachment member 280 is attached to a center portion of elongated rib 270 and slidably attached to elongated center track 210. Wherein plurality of frame portions 260 are successive attached to elongated center track 210 such that they can be slid together at proximal end 220 thereof into stored configuration 400 of FIG. 4. Wherein plurality of frame portions 260 can be individually moved apart from one another on elongated center track 210 into spaced extended configuration 150. Wherein frame 200 forms a rectangular shape when in spaced extended configuration 150.

Wherein elongated center track 210 is formed from plurality of center track members 214 telescopically connected to one another, such that when plurality of frame portions 260 are slid apart from one another on elongated center track 210 in spaced extended configuration 150 center track 210 is also extended into extended configuration 150; and wherein when plurality of frame portions 260 are slid together at proximal end 220 center track 210 is collapsed into stored configuration 400.

Wherein said plurality of frame portions 260 includes distal end frame portion 234 adapted to be located at distal end 230 of elongated center track 210 when plurality of frame portions 260 are in said spaced extended configuration 150, and includes at least two extension ribs 236 thereon attached to and extending from its respective elongated rib 270, are attached to an edge portion of canopy 110, and are adapted to hold edge portion 114 of canopy 110 at a distance from said elongated rib 270 of distal end frame portion 234. Wherein plurality of frame portions 260 includes proximal end frame portion 224 located at proximal end 220 of elongated center track 210 and includes at least two extension ribs 226 thereon attached to and extending from its respective elongated rib 270, are attached to edge portion 114 of canopy 110, and are adapted to hold the edge portion 114 of canopy 110 at a distance from elongated rib 270 of proximal end frame portion 224. Wherein when improved umbrella apparatus 110 is in extended position 150 it forms a shape having dimensions including 30 to 36 inches in length and 8 inches in width.

Wherein canopy 110 is collapsible and attached to plurality of frame portions 260. Handle 500 includes elongated shaft 510. Elongated shaft 500 includes proximal end 520; and distal end 530 including attachment member 540 attached thereto and adapted to movably connect with proximal end 520 of elongated center track 210. Wherein proximal end 520 of elongated shaft 510 of handle 500 includes grip portion 524 adapted to increase friction between a user's hand and handle 500. Wherein when grip portion 524 of handle 500 is formed from rubber. Wherein extendable umbrella apparatus 100 is adapted to be deployed into spaced extended configuration 150 to thereby be held above a user's head via handle 150; and adapted to be collapsed into stored configuration 400 when not in use.

Wherein handle 500 is adapted to slide along elongated center track 210 and be releasably held at a chosen locations there along. Wherein elongated center track further includes plurality of spaced holes 216 therethrough respectively at chosen locations; and handle 500 is adapted to be releasably held at respective chosen locations via plurality of spaced holes 216 and removable pin member 218 connected therebetween.

Wherein elongated shaft 510 of handle 500 is formed from at least two shaft members 512 telescopically connected to one another, such that when in use at least two shaft members 512 are in extended configuration 160, and when in stored configuration 450 at least two shaft members 512 are collapsed one inside the other. Wherein handle 500 further includes spring member 514 connected between at least two shaft members 512 and adapted to bias at least two shaft members 512 apart and into extended configuration 160 for use thereof; catch member 516 adapted to hold at least two shaft members 512 in stored configuration 450 and adapted to release at least two shaft members 512 when deployment button 518 is pressed; and deployment button 518 connected to catch member 516 and adapted to release catch member 516 from at least two shaft members 512 to thereby deploy handle 500 into extended configuration 160.

Wherein elongated center track 210 is formed from plurality of center track members 214 telescopically connected to one another, such that when plurality of frame portions 260 are slid apart from one another on elongated center track 210 in spaced extended configuration 150 center track 210 is also extended into extended configuration 150; and wherein when plurality of frame portions 260 are slid together at proximal end 220 center track 210 is collapsed into stored configuration 400. Wherein elongated center track 210 of frame 210 further comprises spring member 290 connected between distal end 230 and proximal end 220 thereof and adapted to bias plurality of frame portions 260 apart and into extended configuration 150 for use thereof; catch member 264 adapted to hold plurality of frame portions 260 in said stored configuration 400 and adapted to release plurality of frame portions 400 when deployment button 518 is pressed.

Improved umbrella apparatus 100 further comprising carrying case 460 adapted to releasably hold frame 200, canopy 110, and handle 500 therein. Improved umbrella apparatus 199 further comprising strap member 470 adapted to releasably surround frame 200, canopy 110, and handle 500 and hold in stored configuration 400. Wherein strap member 470 includes hook section 474 and loop section 478 adapted to releasably connect with one another to thereby hold frame 200, canopy 110, and handle 500 in stored configuration 400 as show in FIG. 2.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An extendable umbrella apparatus comprising: a frame including: an elongated center track including: a proximal end; and a distal end; wherein said elongated center track is adapted to allow frame portions to be slidably attached thereto; a plurality of frame portions, each including: an elongated rib; and a center attachment member; wherein said center attachment member is attached to a center portion of said elongated rib and slidably attached to said elongated center track; and wherein said plurality of frame portions are successive attached to said elongated center track such that they can be slid together at said proximal end thereof into a stored configuration; and wherein said plurality of frame portions can be individually moved apart from one another on said elongated center track into a spaced extended configuration; and a canopy; wherein said canopy is collapsible and attached to said plurality of frame portions; a handle including; an elongated shaft including: a proximal end; and a distal end including: an attachment member attached thereto and adapted to movably connect with said proximal end of said elongated center track; wherein said extendable umbrella apparatus is adapted to be deployed into said spaced extended configuration to thereby be held above a user's head via said handle; and adapted to be collapsed into said stored configuration when not in use.
 2. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongated center track is formed from a plurality of center track members telescopically connected to one another, such that when said plurality of frame portions are slid apart from one another on said elongated center track in said spaced extended configuration said center track is also extended into an extended configuration; and wherein when said plurality of frame portions are slid together at said proximal end said center track is collapsed into said stored position.
 3. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame forms a rectangular shape when in said spaced extended configuration.
 4. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proximal end of said elongated shaft of said handle includes a grip portion adapted to increase friction between a user's hand and said handle.
 5. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of frame portions includes a distal end frame portion adapted to be located at said distal end of said elongated center track when said plurality of frame portions are in said spaced extended configuration, and includes at least two extension ribs thereon attached to and extending from its respective elongated rib, are attached to an edge portion of said canopy, and are adapted to hold said edge portion of said canopy at a distance from said elongated rib of said distal end frame portion.
 6. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 5, wherein said plurality of frame portions includes a proximal end frame portion located at said proximal end of said elongated center track, and includes at least two extension ribs thereon attached to and extending from its respective elongated rib, are attached to an edge portion of said canopy, and are adapted to hold said edge portion of said canopy at a distance from said elongated rib of said proximal end frame portion.
 7. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle is adapted to slide along said elongated center track and be releasably held at a chosen locations there along.
 8. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 7, wherein said elongated center track further includes a plurality of spaced holes therethrough respectively at said chosen locations; and said handle is adapted to be releasably held at said respective chosen locations via said plurality of spaced holes and a removable pin member connected therebetween.
 9. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongated shaft of said handle is formed from at least two shaft members telescopically connected to one another, such that when in use said at least two shaft members are in an extended configuration, and when in said stored configuration said at least two shaft members are collapsed one inside the other.
 10. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 9, wherein said handle further includes a spring member connected between said at least two shaft members and adapted to bias said at least two shaft members apart and into said extended configuration for use thereof; a catch member adapted to hold said at least two shaft members in said stored configuration and adapted to release said at least two shaft members when a deployment button is pressed; and a deployment button connected to said catch member and adapted to release said catch member from said at least two shaft members to thereby deploy said handle into said extended configuration.
 11. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 10, wherein said elongated center track is formed from a plurality of center track members telescopically connected to one another, such that when said plurality of frame portions are slid apart from one another on said elongated center track in said spaced extended configuration said center track is also extended into an extended configuration; wherein when said plurality of frame portions are slid together at said proximal end said center track is collapsed into said stored position; and wherein said elongated center track of said frame further comprises a spring member connected between said distal end and said proximal end thereof and adapted to bias said plurality of frame portions apart and into said extended configuration for use thereof; a catch member adapted to hold said plurality of frame portions in said stored configuration and adapted to release said plurality of frame portions when said deployment button is pressed.
 12. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carrying case adapted to releasably hold said frame, canopy, and handle therein.
 13. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a strap member adapted to releasably surround said frame, canopy, and handle and hold in said stored configuration.
 14. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 13, wherein said strap member includes a hook section and a loop section adapted to releasably connect with one another to thereby hold said frame, canopy, and handle in said stored configuration.
 15. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 6, wherein when said improved umbrella apparatus is in said extended position it forms a shape having dimensions including 30 to 36 inches in length and 8 inches in width.
 16. The improved umbrella apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said grip portion of said handle is formed from rubber. 